Tim Myers, co-founder of the Grammy-nominated band OneRepublic, has announced his candidacy for California lieutenant governor.
The former rock star is launching a campaign focused on taking on what he calls a broken political system and the Trump administration’s treatment of the Golden State.
“Tim is running for Lt. Governor to fix a broken political system dominated by career politicians and special interests and rigged against the working class,” his campaign declared in its launch announcement Monday.
Myers, who had previously announced a run for the U.S. House of Representatives in April, explained his decision to switch races in a candid Instagram post.
“I’ve heard from neighbors and friends whose homes and small businesses were robbed. I’ve watched homelessness grow. I’ve seen backdoor deals and political corruption—not just from Trump and his billionaire allies in Washington, but right here in our own backyard in California,” he said.
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“I’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with protesters demanding change,” the bassist added.
“But when I looked, I didn’t see our state politicians standing with us. And I realized: I can’t stay silent. I can’t stay on the sidelines.”
On TMZ Live Thursday, Myers accused his opponents in the lieutenant governor race of being more concerned with their future ambitions than the people they hope to represent.
I’m Tim Myers and I’m officially running for Lieutenant Governor of California. Let’s build something better. pic.twitter.com/RPaRJMaWQf
— Tim Myers (Official) (@timmyers_music) July 7, 2025
“Every single candidate that’s running right now for lieutenant governor said they want to be governor someday and they’re climbing the political ladder,” Myers said.
“You know the only ladder I care about is the working people here in California climbing up the ladder,” he criticized.
It’s time to defend CA from Trump’s attacks. I spoke to @TMZLive about why I’m running for Lieutenant Governor. Join me: https://t.co/8F1aqTZCdU pic.twitter.com/cgytHTVanm
— Tim Myers (Official) (@timmyers_music) July 10, 2025
“They literally can’t afford to buy homes or pay for their rent or pay for groceries or put gas in their tank,” the OneRepublic star added.
“So I think it’s honestly insulting for the candidates in this race to say they want to be governor someday. I am not focused on that.”
Myers joins a crowded Democratic field that includes State Treasurer Fiona Ma, Newsom administration adviser Josh Fryday, former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, State Sen. Steven Bradford, California State Board of Equalization member Mike Schaefer, and Janelle Kellman.
His co-founder in OneRepublic, Ryan Tedder, made headlines of his own last month when he defended President Trump’s military parade commemorating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army.
“I have around 20 family members & grandparents that all fought in wars from the revolutionary war (actually) thru to WWII / Korea,” Tedder began.
“All politics & parties and righteous indignation aside it’s a super bummer that instead of celebrating the 250th anniversary of the USA ARMY and all those who have fought and died on our behalf… We’re protesting,” Tedder wrote on Instagram.
Songwriter Ryan Tedder talks about the anti-Trump protests:
“It’s a super bummer that instead of celebrating the 250th anniversary of the US Army and all those who have fought and died on our behalf…we’re protesting.” pic.twitter.com/t1b2OYunTE
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) June 15, 2025
While claiming he supports no political party, Tedder’s post struck a different tone from Myers’ criticism of Trump.
“I’d like to say THANKYOU to all of the Army service members active and retired and those who have given their lives to protect our freedom… to protest.”
Meanwhile, singer-songwriter Ben Folds, who served as artistic adviser to the National Symphony Orchestra, also entered the political fray this week, attacking the Kennedy Center’s new director Richard Grenell, a Trump appointee.
“The head of the Kennedy Center can’t talk for three minutes without having grievances against a political party,” Folds told the Washington Post.
“His job is to bring excellence in music to everybody. Not to just say you do it but to actually do it. And that starts with not throwing little hissy fits. He’s a grown man,” the singer added.
Folds resigned from the Kennedy Center after President Trump took office and criticized Vice President J.D. Vance for being booed during a recent visit.
“That never happened before. He brought the circus with him,” Folds said.
Addressing concerns about the condition of the Kennedy Center, Folds downplayed the issue.
“Yeah, the HVAC sucks. It probably sucks in the Department of Justice, too. Deferred maintenance of a government building [is normal],” he quipped. “I’m a stupid piano player, and I know that.”
Myers, meanwhile, is attempting to channel voter frustration into an outsider campaign focused on affordability, transparency, and political reform.
His messaging takes direct aim at the establishment, rejecting long-term political ambition in favor of what he describes as “commonsense solutions” for California residents struggling with everyday costs and public safety.
According to his website, Myers wants to “ensure every Californian has the opportunity to chase their dreams, can afford to make a living here, and feels safe.”